Investigation of fatal crash continues

May 13, 2014

LITTLE FALLS - State police today continued to investigate Sunday's fatal accident that claimed the life of local attorney Russell Martin and sent his wife, Johnstown 3rd Ward Councilwoman Helen Martin, to the hospital.

No cause has been released by state police for the crash, which occurred at 5:10 p.m. on Route 5 on the eastern side of Little Falls.

State police said Monday that Russell Martin, 57, of 9 E. Montgomery St., Johnstown, was the driver of an eastbound 2001 Ford Escape. The SUV was struck head-on by a westbound 2014 Buick Lacrosse operated by Francis Kiniry, 83, of Syracuse. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene, troopers said.

Helen Martin, 63, was taken to Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

A spokeswoman said today the center won't be publicly releasing Martin's medical information.

Johnstown City Clerk Cathy VanAlstyne, who visited her, said this morning Martin has suffered some broken bones, but she may be released from the hospital soon.

Troopers said Kiniry and his passenger wife, Kathleen Kiniry, 87, were transported to Bassett Medical Center and were listed in serious condition Monday.